News

Giving Thanks

 By Rev. Canon Stewart Murray, Incumbent at St. Barnabas, Ottawa

(This article appears in the October 2017 issue of Crosstalk, the newspaper of the Diocese of Ottawa.)

For many people, October is the one of the most beautiful months in Canada. The leaves on the trees have begun to change into a riot of colours, the air has a refreshing chill, and the local farmers’ markets are full of the bounty of the fall harvest. Our schedules have returned to a new rhythm of work, school, and activities after the more relaxed days of summer.

Hands

By Rev. Canon Stewart Murray, Incumbent at St. Barnabas, Ottawa
(This article appears in the September 2017 edition of 'Crosstalk', the newspaper of the Diocese of Ottawa.)
 

The Value of Time

By Rev. Canon Stewart Murray, Incumbent at St. Barnabas, Ottawa
(This article appears in the June edition of Crosstalk, the newspaper of the Diocese of Ottawa.)
 
Summertime is fast approaching, and I remember very vividly the excitement of the last day of school and the preparations for heading off to the cottage. Summer was a time of freedom from school and routines, and a time for adventure and fun at the beach. As a child, the days of summer seemed endless; there was never quite enough time to fit in everything we imagined we wanted to do.

Stony Ground

by Rev. Canon Stewart Murray

This article appears in the April issue of Crosstalk, the newspaper of the Diocese of Ottawa

On the surface the parables of Jesus are simple stories often drawn from the popular stories or everyday events of 1st-century Israel. They have the potential, however, to draw you into a conversation with the theme of the parable that can open up a deeper encounter with Jesus. I have been engaged in such a conversation with the parable of the Sower from the Gospels of St. Matthew 13:1-23 and Luke 8:1-15. I have always had an affinity with this story, perhaps because I am a gardener and have been a keen seed saver at times. I know some of the challenges of working to save seed from one season to the next and of the importance of soil preparation in a successful garden.

Parish concert event: Dark Nights, Radiant Light: Meditations in Eastertide through Song, Image, Word, and Silence

Centred on the themes of Mercy, Grace, Faith, and Love, this program offers four meditations on the journey of faith through the darkness of our hearts to the Light of New Life in Christ. Featuring songs written and performed by soprano Catherine Schwartz in collaboration with cellist Greg Weeks and harpist Susan Sweeney Hermon, paintings by Annegret Hunter, and readings by Lucy-Ann Kubina from the works of Underhill, Julian of Norwich, L'Engle, Donne, and Herbert, the program also includes opportunities for silent reflection. Reception to follow.

Darkness and Light

by Rev. Canon Stewart Murray

This article appears in the March issue of Crosstalk, the newspaper of the Diocese of Ottawa

Holy Week, especially Good Friday, and Easter are an invitation that God gives us to reflect on the challenges and difficulties we all face. They are also times that speak to me of the possibilities of change and renewal.